Student Life/Services

Fees andExpenses

Information concerning fees and expenses may be obtained from the office of University Recruiting, Northwestern State University,Natchitoches,LA71497-0002. All fees and charges are subject to change withoutnotice.

Payment of RegistrationFees

All fees and charges assessed by the University in connection with registration are due in full by the first week of classes. Students who have been billed and have not paid in full their cost of attending the University by the first week of classes will be automatically assigned an installment plan and will be assessed the published per semester/session non-refundable Installment Plan Charge. Students may elect to pay certain fees, room charges, meal charges, etc., in installments as allowed by the current Installment Plan Policy. There is a $50 Electronic Learning Course Fee assessed for each Internet class a student takes.

TuitionReciprocity

Students who reside in the following Texas counties can receive an out-of-state fee waiver: Cass, Harrison, Jefferson, Marion, Newton, Orange, Panola, Sabine and Shelby. For further assistance, please contact the Office of Scholarships, Student Services Center, Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA. 71497. Telephone: 318-357-5685.

Installment Plan Policy andCharges

Students who have been billed and have not paid in full their costof attendingthe Universityby thefirst weekofclasseswill beautomatically assignedtheInstallmentPlanandassessedthe published per semester/session NON-REFUNDABLE Installment Plan Charge. Students assigned the Installment Plan may pay certain fees, room charges, meal charges, etc., in installmentsas allowedby the InstallmentPlan Policy. Any student assigned the Installment Plan will be charged the published per semester/session NON-REFUNDABLE Installment Plan Charge including University student workers, graduate assistants, part-time and full-time employees, etc. Students who pay theirfull balance by the first week ofclasses but later increase registration fees, room charges, meal charges, etc., after this date, or whose financial aid is reduced and do not pay the increase in full by the BILL DUE DATE will be automatically assigned the Installment Plan and be assessed the published per semester/session NONREFUNDABLE Installment Plan Charge. The Installment Plancanbewaivedby theUniversity’sDirector of Student Financial Aid when the University has awarded ESTIMATED financial aid (anticipated aid) or if the University has implemented a policy or procedure that causes a delay inthe processingof a student’sfinancial aid and the awarded financial aid is enough to cover the full unpaid balance.

Late PaymentCharges

Any student who does not pay the “Installment Amount” or “Total Amount Due” by each bill due date will be assessed the published per billing cycle NON-REFUNDABLE Late Payment Charge within the semester or summer session that the charges occurred. All accounts must be paid in full by the last day of the semester or summer session. Accounts not paid by the last day of the semester or summer session will be referred to the University’s contracted collection agency and major credit bureaus. A HOLD will be placed on registration and transcript processes until the account is paid infull.

Installment Plan PaymentSchedule

Any student automatically assigned the Installment Plan, per the InstallmentPlan Policy,may pay certaindeferrable charges in installments asfollows:

Fall and Spring Semesters: Three (3) Installments

1/3 Due – Approximately one (1) month after scheduled fee payment 1/3 Due – Approximately two (2) monthsafter scheduled fee payment 1/3 Due–Approximatelythree(3) monthsafter scheduled fee payment

Summer Semester: Three (3) Installments

1/3 Due – Approximately three (3) weeks after scheduled fee payment 1/3 Due – Approximately six (6) weeks after scheduled fee payment 1/3 Due – Approximately nine (9) weeks after scheduled fee payment Anystudentwhohas beenbilledanddoes not pay the “Account Balance”in fullby thefirstweekofclasseswillbe automatically assigned the Installment Plan and assessed the published per semester/session NON-REFUNDABLE Installment Plan Chargeaccordingto the InstallmentPlan Policy. Studentswhopaytheirfullbalancebythe firstweekofclasses butlaterincreaseregistrationfees,roomcharges,mealcharges, etc., after thisdate,or whose financialaid is reduced and do not pay the increase in full by the BILL DUE DATE will be automatically assigned the Installment Plan and be assessed the published per semester/session NON-REFUNDABLE Installment PlanCharge. Any student assigned the Installment Plan who does not pay the “Current Amount Due” or “Installment Amount” by each BILL CYCLE DUE DATE will be assessed the publishedper bill cycle NON-REFUNDABLE Late Payment Charge within the semester/session that the charges occur. Installment payment due dates are the same for all campus sites. The Installment Plan can be waivedby the University’s Director of Student Financial Aid when the University has awarded ESTIMATEDfinancial aid (anticipatedaid) or if the University has implemented a policyor procedurethat causesa delayin the processingof a student’sfinancialaid and the awardedfinancial aid is enoughto cover the full unpaid balance. Payments may be made by cash, check or money order made payable to Northwestern State University or by MasterCard, Visa orAmerican Express. E-Check payment is also available online. Student accounts/balances can be viewed and e-check and credit card payments made by accessing NSUConnect through myNSU at https//my.nsula.edu. For mail-in payment instructions, consult the Registration Information for the semester of planned enrollment.

TheAcademicCalendarfor each semester and summersession is available online at http://registrar.nsula.edu/academiccalendars/.This calendarwill provide dates for registrationfor classes. Any student who fails to complete the registration process during regular registration will be assessed a $60 NON-REFUNDABLE Late RegistrationCharge.

Previous BalancePolicy Early Registrations Cancellation for a Previous Balance of more than $2,000

A student who has early registered and owes a financial balance of more than $2,000 from a previous semester must pay the previous balance to $2,000 or less in order to attend classes. If a student has a financial balance of more than $2,000 that is not paid to $2,000 or less, early registration will be cancelled prior to the first day of classes, unless an exception has been approved.

Early Registration Cancellation or Registration with a Previous Balance of more than $2,000 Exceptions

A student who has early registered or who wants to register but owes a financial balance of more than $2,000 from a previous semester and who, meets one of the exception criteria, may complete the Exception Registration Access Application to avoid early registration cancellation or to register owing a previous balance of more than $2,000. Additionally, installment plan charges, late registration, and late payment charges will all be assessed, and collection agency reporting will be completed, all in accordancewith University Policy.

Early Registration or Regular Registration with a Previous Balance of $2,000 or Less

A student who owes a financial balance of $2,000 or less from a previous semester may register or remain enrolled in classes for the current term. However, the student must maintain an account balance of $2,000 or less by the end of the last day of the current semester to avoid future term early registrations cancellation or to register for future terms. Additionally, installment plan charges, late registration, and late payment charges will all be assessed, and collection agency reporting will be completed, all in accordancewith University Policy.

Very Important Notes

• Students who don’t meet the above stated requirementsfor registering with a previous balance will be reviewed by the

Registration Access AppealCommittee. • All debt appeals will be considered by the Registration

Access AppealCommittee. • Financial Aid cannot be used to pay a balance from a previous award year. Students with financial aid greater than current award year charges will receive a balance check. These students are encouraged to pay any previous balance upon receipt of any refund as part of their payment plan documented in their exception plan. Failure to do so may result in future exception beingdenied. • Financial Aid cannot be used to pay Elementary or Middle

Lab School charges or Child Development Center fees/balances. These balancesmust be paid in full in order to clear registrationholds resulting from this balance.

Exceptions

Astudentwho has earlyregisteredorwho wants to registerbut owes a financial balance of more than $2,000 from a previous semester may qualify for an exceptionif: • The student is makingacademic progress, has an academic plan or readmit contract, or has an approved financial Aid appeal.; AND the studenthas, • Exhaust ALL financial aid opportunities (Students must complete a FAFSA along with other NSU Financial Aid required documents. They must also accept the financial aid offered);and • Submit a detailed payment plan that addresses how the previous balance will be paid within 24 months; and • Demonstrate a commitmentto paying their debt. The Vice President for the Student Experience has authority to override any decision of the committee if unforeseen circumstances warrantsuch.

Registration Access AppealsCommittee

1. Students may appeal early registration cancellation for a previous balance, registration with a previous balance, installment plan charges, late registration charges, or late payment charges by completing a Registration Access

Appealform. The appeal formis available in the One Card

Office, or online athttp://onecard.nsula.edu/. 2. Students must complete and return the appeal form to the

One Card Office, 3rd floor, Student Services Center,

Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA. 71497 or fax to: 318-357-5279 with appropriate supporting documentationattached. 3. Onlya completedappealformwiththeproperdocumentation attached will be considered by the Committee. The

Committee’s decision will befinal.

Health Services/StudentInsurance

Health Services

The Student Health Services Clinic at Northwestern State University provides acute nursing care and assessment, health education, and referral to appropriate services including the university contracted physicians. All students taking one or more hours on the Natchitoches campus and those living on campus but taking all internet courses, will be assessed a $96 charge for Student Health Services. The Health Services fee is mandatory, and there is no exemption process.

Student Insurance

All international students on the Natchitoches and Shreveport campuses will be assessed a mandatory fee for Student Insurance. A student who is covered by other insurance who does not want the school sponsored plan may request a refund by submitting the appropriate exemption form along with a copy of their insurance card to Health Services. Exemptions are only granted during the first 2 weeks of class eachsemester. Domestic students may elect to have the school sponsored insurance by contacting Health Services and requesting the coverage. Coverage can only be added during the first 2 weeks of class each semester.

Housing and LivingAccommodations

Residence Life/Campus Living Villages offers a variety of accommodations and price points to students for on-campus residency. Information and lease packets are available online at www.NSUvillage.com. Questions about housing should be addressed to Residence Life at nsuleasing@clvusa.com or by telephone (318) 214-5400.

Also, unfurnished apartments for non-traditional students are available on the Natchitoches campus. Questions about these units should be addressed to Student Services Office at 318357-6703. The Board of Supervisors for State Colleges and Universities requires that “all unmarried undergraduate students must live on campus. Exceptions to this policy are made for those students who present convincing evidence that substantial hardship for financial, medical or other sound reasons will occur if the policy is enforced.”

Counseling and CareerServices

The mission of Counseling and Career Services is to serve as an agent of change for student’s personal and professional growth by aiding students in developing, evaluating and effectively implementing a life plan. To this end, Counseling and Career Services provides confidential services covered through your Student Health fees in the areas of mental health anddevelopmental counseling,part-timeemploymentandfulltime employment to NSU students. These services are delivered by a variety of programs including career planning, career counseling, placement services, and part-time job location and development (JLD). All services are located in Room 305, Friedman Student Union Building. Additionally, Counseling and Career Services serves as an internship training site for Student Affairs in Higher Education and Psychology graduate programs.

SecurityProcedures

Northwestern State University Police Officers are commissioned by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety. Section 1805 of Title 17 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes holds these officers responsible for maintaining general order and extends to them the powers of arrest. The NSU Police Department currently employs fourteen full-time police officers. The department also employs students as part-time campus walkers equipped with police radios. All full-time police officers are required to complete a “Basic Law Enforcement Training Course’’ certified by the Council on Peace Officers Standards and Training. The Vice President for University Affairs is responsible for Security and University Police Services. The NSU Police respond to all calls for assistance giving priority to medical emergencies,fire alarms, or a crime in progress. To place a call for assistance, call the NSU Police Departmentat 357-5431.

Student Conduct

Disciplinary procedures governing University students are administered by the Dean of Students or a designated representative. Disciplinary issues not resolved at the dean’s level may be referred to a student-faculty disciplinecommittee appointed by the President of the University. Students are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with standards prescribed by the University. Specific disciplinary due process procedures and the Northwestern State University Code of Conduct appear in the Northwestern Student Handbook.

StudentIdentification

Members of the NSU campus community must be prepared to display a Northwestern State University identification card upon proper request of a duly designatedauthority. StudentAffairsadherestoFERPARegulationsdescribedunder Academic Regulations in this publication for the release of student records. The types of non-academic educational records maintained on studentsat NSU are as follows: 1. The Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct,

maintains disciplinary records and miscellaneous administrativerecordsincludingStudentGovernment

Association Loans. Recordsofdisciplinaryactionstaken by the University against students are maintained for internal purposes and information relating thereto will be released to inquirers only with written authorization of studentsconcerned.Whensanctionsareimposedthatlimit a student’s behavior, the University retains the right to notify parties involved in monitoringsaid behavior.

When educational sanctions are imposed which involve thirdparties,the Universityreservesthe rightto notifysuch parties. In cases ofalcoholanddrug abuse,the University may notify parents or guardians. In life threatening situations, the University may contact parents, guardians, or others who may be directly involved in maintaining a safe environment for the student and the University

Community.Under limited conditions(violent crimes and non-forciblesexualoffenses),informationontheoutcome of judicial proceedings may be released to victims upon writtenrequest. Acopy of the outcomeof the disciplinary process may be mailed to the permanent home address of the studentsinvolved. Thestudentcanreviewtheserecords intheDeanofStudentsoffice.OnlyauthorizedUniversity

Officials or individuals authorized by the student have access to written records. Disciplinary records remain active for the duration of a student’senrollment and when a disciplinary issue is unresolved and a hold remains on the record. Beginning in fall 2007, inactive paper filesmay be destroyed after five years. Limited data regarding disciplinary holds and sanctions is contained in the

Northwestern State University computer system. This information is viewed by University staff, as approved by the University Registrar, on a need to know basis.

Electronic records are permanent. When students are suspended or permanently dismissed (expelled) from the

University,such informationwill benotedonthestudent’s academic transcript. A student who is permanently dismissed for disciplinary reasons will receive a notation on the academic transcript stating “student is ineligible to enroll”. A student who is suspended for disciplinary reasons will receive a notation on the academic transcript stating “student is eligible to return (semester) (year)”.

Northwestern State University will request a disciplinary report from the home institution of transferred students.

Only students eligible to return to their home institutions will be admitted. 2. Student Health Services. Students are encouraged to furnish medical information which includes current and past medical history. Records are kept on medical problems reported by the student and on treatment procedures. Only University physicians, nurses, Health

Services staff, and the immediate supervisor to Health

Services staff have access to these records. The information in medical records contains personal health information regulated by state and federal laws (FERPA) for protection of the privacy ofstudents.

Access to and Utilization of Non-Academic Educational Records (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Student Life/Services

3. Financial Aid Office. All students who are receiving grants, scholarships, and/or loans from state and federal sources, or who are student workers and receive some financial assistance through the University have records in this office. The student can review all of his or her records. 4. Residence Life/Campus Living Villages (CLV). CLV has access to University housing records. Records maintained by CLV are destroyed seven years from the last semester that a student resides on campus. 5. Counseling and Career Services. Career Planning and

Development: Career Planning and Development maintains confidential records on students who register with the office for career services. Students who register with the office authorize Career Planning and Placement to release credentials files to prospective employers.

Students may view the complete file (resume, letter of reference, and transcript) unless this right has been waived. The right to view references may be reinstated only through written approval from the reference.

Placement files are made inactive or destroyed after the director feels that the student may no longer be adequately served by the center.

Counseling: All records are strictly confidential and are secured. Records may only be released to other professionals with written consent from clients. The counselor may release information when a client poses danger toherself/himself orothers or insome cases,when subpoenaed by a court of law. Students may read and review their records upon request. Inactive counseling records are maintained for seven years after which time they are destroyed. 6. Testing Center. The Testing Center maintains a record of ACT/SAT test scores submitted to the University and the results of the University’s Advanced Standing

Examinations. These records are available to thestudent, faculty, advisor, academic dean, and other authorized

University personnel concerned with the student. Scores are not released to anyone other than authorized

University personnel except on a written request by the student. No scores are given out on the telephone.

Appeal

NSU shall provide each student an opportunity for a hearing to challenge the contents of the student’s educational records in order to ensure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of privacy or other rights of students, and to provide an opportunity for the correction or deletion of any inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate data contained therein. The University will attempt to settle disputes with students regarding the content of the student’s education records through informal meetings and discussions. When these informal means are not satisfactory to the student or the University, more formal proceedings will be conducted. On the written request of the student to the University concerning the inaccuracy of material containedin the student’s record, a board composed of the Dean of Students, a representative of the Faculty Senate, the appropriate dean, a representative of the heads of academic departments, and a representative of the Student Government Association will hear the complaints and make a recommendation to the President of the University. Hearings shall be conducted within five working days following receipt of the request for the hearing. If any member of the hearing board is involved in the case in question, the President of the University will select an individual who does not have a direct interest in the outcome of the hearing. The student or the University is to be afforded a full and fair opportunity to present evidence relevant to the issue raised. The recommendationshall be rendered in writing to the President of the University for his consideration, and his recommendation will be communicated to the parties involved within ten working days afterconclusion of the hearing. If the recommendations are unsatisfactory tothe student, the student may place with the education records statements commenting on the information in the records, or statements setting forth any reasons for disagreeing with the decisions of the hearing panel. The statements will be placed in the education records, maintained as part of the student’s records, and released whenever the records in question are disclosed.

Student Activitiesand Organizations

The Office of Student Activitiesand Organizationsbelieves that the priority of students is to be successful academically, but there is much more to college life than classes, homework, and exams. There are student organizations, clubs, service events, traditions, athletic events and muchmore. Northwestern State students are from many diverse backgrounds with differing interests and experiences. Our goal is to assist students in customizing and enhancing their educational experience with activities that fit their goals and interests. Whether those interests are intellectual, recreational, service, social, or spiritual in nature, there is a place for you at NSU. Involvement in one or more of the 100 plus student organizations can add an important dimension to one’s collegiate experience. The Friedman Student Union is the heart of student life at Northwestern State. Throughout the year, the Division of Student Affairs and recognized student organizations hosts a variety of events and activities such as business meetings, workshops, service projects, social events, conferences, leadership training and guest speakers. The Student Union serves as the center of the campus community and is designed to enhance the quality of student life, support co-curricular activities, and contribute to the University’s educational mission. Located within the Student Union are numerous offices dedicated to providing programs and services to students. The Wellness Recreation Activity Center (WRAC) is committed to offering a wide variety of opportunities that promote an active, healthy lifestyle. The WRAC offers over 10,000 square feet of strength, fitness, and cardio equipment, group exercise room, racquetball courts, basketball courts, fitness assessment lab, indoor walking track, massagetherapy room and several other amenities. Wellness programs provide a variety of group exercise classes, seminars, speakers, and a state-of-the-art fitness assessment lab with personaltraining. The Intramural Sports program provides students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to participate in a variety of competitive and recreational sports activities in a relaxed environment. Intramural Sports offers more than 30 activities in traditional sports, as well as nontraditional activities. Club Sports consists of a variety of co-educational sports teams that offer skill enhancement and competition opportunities for members. Club Sports bridge the gap between intramural and intercollegiate athletics by providing competition at different levels. In addition, students gain valuable leadership skills by taking part in the leadership, responsibility, and decision-making process of clubactivities. E-Sports is another venue to engage students outside of the classroom. The Department of Wellness and Recreation provides programming and entertainment for the occasional, competitive, or world class gamer. Located in the Friedman

Student Union, our 7000 square foot gaming, tournament, streaming, and viewing E-Sports lounge is available daily to all NSU students. It is a way to celebrate the diversity of interests on campus by turning an often-isolating activity into a social experience for our students. The Robert W. Wilson Recreation Complex is located on Highway One Bypass across from NSU. The complex is a unique facility in that NorthwesternState is the only university in Louisiana with a “student country club.” Northwestern Hills is a beautifully maintained eighteen-hole golf course. The complex also offers four tennis courts, an Olympic sized swimming and pro-shop. The NSU recreational complex pavilion offers the perfect setting for meetings and parties and can accommodate up to 125 people. The RecreationalComplex is open to the public and offers everyone the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities at a reasonableprice. Involvement in campus activities provides balance, opportunities to develop interpersonal and leadership skills, and a great way to meet new people. The Office of Student Activities & Organizations is committed to providing Northwestern State University students with the best possible out-of-class experience through programs and services that meet the social, physical, intellectual, and cultural development of all students.

IntercollegiateAthletics

Northwestern State University sponsors intercollegiate programs at the Division I level for both men and women. In order to participatein the varsityathleticprograms and receive athletically related aid, a student must conform to the applicablerulesofthe NationalCollegiate AthleticAssociation (NCAA) and the SouthlandConference (SLC). In addition, the student-athlete must demonstrate good academic standing by being enrolled in 12 or more hours, and demonstrate satisfactory progress by fulfilling the requirements of NCAA By-law Article 14, as stated in the NCAA manual. For information regarding participation, call NSU Compliance at 318-357-4154. Northwestern sponsors the following sports: Men—cross country, indoor and outdoor track; football; baseball; basketball; Women—cross country, indoor and outdoor track; volleyball; softball; basketball; tennis; soccer.

Athletic Department Mission Statement

Northwestern State University is committed to providing a multi-sport intercollegiate athletic experience for male and female students. Additionally, NSU is committed to assuring that women and minorities will be afforded the opportunities given to all staff and student-athletes. Just as the University strives for excellence academically, it will also reach for excellence in the Southland Conference and at the national level through NCAA Division I championships. The success of the athletic program is not only measured by competitive standings but also by the achievement of studentathletes.Allstudent-athletes areexpectedtomeetentranceand academic standards set by the NCAA, the Southland Conference and the University. The ultimate goal of the program is to provide an opportunity for student-athletes to earn a degree, enter their chosen career field and have a positive impact on the lives of those they associate with on a personal and professionallevel. While striving for competitive success, those representing the NSU athletic department must also demonstrate a high level of sportsmanship towards opponents, fans and officials and maintain a positive attitude, which places the “spirit of competition” at the forefront of their words and actions regardless of the outcome of the contest. In addition, those representingNSUAthleticsmust exhibitknowledgeof,respect for and adherence to ethical principles which are outlined in Bylaw 10 of the NCAAManual. Generating positive publicity for the University should be achieved without compromising these ethicalprinciples,includingadherencetopoliciesrelated to illegal gambling, recruiting,and the use of illegal drugs.

Accessibility and DisabilityServices

Accessibility and Disability Services works directly with all faculty and staff, providing in-service training in understanding of disabilities and the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Staff coordinates reasonable accommodations necessary to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability. Some reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to: extending time limits on examinations, allowing lectures to be recorded when the disability impairs a student’s ability to take notes, and access to preferential seating. Provisions are also made for registration assistance, interpreters, and many other accommodations. For more information, call the Office of Accessiblity and Disability Support at (318) 357-4460 or https://www.nsula.edu/disabilitysupport/ .

Academic AdvisingServices

Academic Advising Services’ professional team of advisors works with departmental faculty advisors and academic departments to help NSU students achieve their academic and professional goals. This office is responsible for advising the following majors: exploratory/undecided, associate and bachelor of general studies programs, and pre-clinical associate and bachelor of science in nursing for the Natchitoches campus. This team also serves as secondary advisors to other departments. Additionally, Academic Advising Services coordinatesthe UniversityStudies 1000 curriculum,a required support course all entering freshman mustcomplete.